Narrative:The Aerolineas Argentinas flight took off from Mendoza at 18:47 for a flight to Cordoba. Severe turbulence existed in the area near Cordoba, causing the flight crew to decide to divert to La Rioja. At 21:25 they reported a La Rioja ETA of 21:40. Nothing more was heard from the flight. The wreckage was found on April 26 near Sierra de Vilgo.

Probable Cause:

PROBABLE CAUSE: "For reasons which could not be determined the aircraft deviated from the prescribed route and followed a course which led it to crash in mountainous terrain. A contributing factor was: The pilot-in-command's decision to descend below the minimum altitude specified for weather conditions requiring an instrument approach, contrary to the provisions of the Airline Operations Manual. A probable contributing factor was the probable fatigue of the aircraft crew."

This map shows the airport of departure and the intended destination of the flight. The line between the airports does not display the exact flight path. Distance from Mendoza-El Plumerillo Airport, MD to Córdoba-Pajas Blancas Airport, CD as the crow flies is 462 km (289 miles).

This information is not presented as the Flight Safety Foundation or the Aviation Safety Network’s opinion as to the cause of the accident. It is preliminary and is based on the facts as they are known at this time.